Denton West End Primary School, located in Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 10 and 11, 2023. The headteacher, Sharron White, leads the school, which operates under the Denton West End Primary School trust, overseen by a board of directors chaired by Suzanne Mountain. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and are encouraged to treat each other kindly, adhering to the principle of treating others as they wish to be treated. This nurturing atmosphere ensures that students feel happy and well cared for, with mechanisms like a worry box available for them to express concerns to adults.
The school emphasizes emotional understanding and behavior management, teaching pupils practical strategies such as breathing exercises to help them navigate their feelings. Positive behavior is evident throughout the school, with pupils demonstrating politeness and respect towards adults and peers. Independence is encouraged from an early age, with children learning self-care skills and gradually taking on more responsibilities as they progress through the school. For instance, older pupils serve as language leaders and peer mediators, assisting their classmates in learning about Spanish culture and resolving minor friendship issues.
Academic achievement is a priority, and the school has high expectations for its pupils. By the end of key stage two, students perform well in national assessments, benefiting from enriching experiences such as educational trips and workshops that complement their learning. The curriculum has recently been redesigned to enhance the educational experience for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are well-informed about the curriculum's structure, allowing them to create effective learning activities that build on prior knowledge.
Teachers possess a strong understanding of their subjects and are adept at addressing misconceptions as they arise. In many subjects, pupils have opportunities to revisit key knowledge, although there are areas where the school needs to improve its focus on essential information that should be retained over time. This is particularly relevant for younger pupils, as gaps in learning can develop if important concepts are not emphasized during reviews.
The school has seen an increase in the number of pupils with special educational needs, and effective processes are in place to identify and support these students. They are integrated into lessons alongside their peers and typically achieve well. A strong emphasis is placed on fostering a love of reading, starting in the nursery with exposure to a variety of rhymes, songs, and stories. Parents are actively encouraged to participate in their children's reading development through initiatives like reading parties.
Pupils are engaged and attentive during lessons, participating in discussions and quickly refocusing when needed. The school promotes understanding of modern British values, teaching pupils about democracy and diversity. Parental engagement is prioritized, with workshops offered to help parents support their children's learning at home. The board of trustees brings a wealth of expertise and collaborates closely with the school to enhance educational quality. Staff have reported a reduction in workload due to recent changes, allowing them to focus more on curriculum design.
The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects have a clear focus on essential knowledge that pupils need to remember over time. The school is encouraged to implement effective processes for revisiting and consolidating prior knowledge to enhance learning outcomes. Overall, Denton West End Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
